Sunscreen - What Do You Use?

[LTS3]

It's nearly summer which means I'll be spending more time outdoors. I've been using Neutrogena sunscreen on and off for a few years but I've heard that there are better ones to use now.

I have coupons for Aveeno, Vanicream, and La Roche-Posay products. I'm familiar with Aveeno products but have never heard of the other two. Has anyone tried either and have opinions on those brands? What about EltaMD? That one is highly recommended by dermatologist and other experts. Any benefits to mineral sunscreen vs non-mineral?

 

[MoochNNoodles]

I hate shopping for sunscreen. My DD has had reactions to so many in the past. I mostly use my Neutrogena face moisturizer with SPF 15 on her face and make her wear hats. She wears BlueLizard on her body. When I've put regular sunscreen (even the "baby" kinds!) it's left her with a red face that peels. But BlueLizard does well on her body. It was recommended by several moms on a skin care board.

My DS still wears WaterBabies Pure & Simple. DH and I wear Banana Boat and a store brand.

This site rates sunscreens: EWG's 2019 Guide to Safer Sunscreens

 

[kittyluv387]

I use Elsa MD Daily because it’s more moisturizing. But the most popular UV clear version has some nice ingredients like niacinamide and lactic acid. If you have combination or oily skin UV clear is the better choice. Both versions use both mineral and chemical. They are both for regular daily wear and I would wear something more heavy duty if I were going on a hike or going swimming. Mineral sunscreen is supposed to be better for you. But it has to have at least 20% zinc to meet 30 spf and 20% is a lot! Almost all sunscreens with that much zinc will be quite thick and pasty. The thing with chemical sunscreens is that they are endocrine disrupters. When they get heated by the sun they mess with your hormones. They are also not reef safe. The catch with mineral is that the more zinc there is, the thicker and whiter it will be. Plus it’s extremely drying for some like me.

Planning on trying this heavy duty La Roche mineral sunscreen when I go snorkeling and hiking on vacation.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, Gentle Lotion, 3 Fl. Oz.
This is a popular Japanese sunscreen I want to try out. It’s very moisturizing from what I hear so watch out. Japanese sunscreens are known for their quality.
SKIN AQUA Super Moisture Milk (SPF50 PA ++++) 40mL 2019 new version

 

[Tobermory]

I can’t stand the smell and feel of most sunscreens, but I do like this one: https://www.vitacost.com/alba-botanica-soothing-sunscreen-spf-45-pure-lavender

I’m familiar with Aveeno, too, but haven’t heard of the other two. Eucerin is supposed to be good.

 

[kittyluv387]

UVA rays penetrate deep and cause Aging while UVB rays cause burning.

You can see why zinc is considered the best.

Broad Spectrum UVA Sunscreen Protection by Badger

 

[Norachan]

This is a popular Japanese sunscreen I want to try out.

I've used that one, it's pretty good. Japanese women like to be very pale so they use high factor sun screens whenever they go outside. It's fashionable to wear long gloves and carry a parasol too.

The company that makes it don't test on animals, so that's another good point

I haven't tried the La Roche one yet, but I love their moisturizers. I'm going to look out for that one when I need more sun screen.

They don't test on animals either, but they do sell products to mainland China, where animal testing is still carried out.

 

[Mia6]

I use Banana Boat for babies. It has SPF 50 and I also use Banana Boat Dry Balance. I try to keep the sun off my face.

 

[denice]

I have the type of skin that very rarely burns but I know I should use it because even without a burn it is still damaging and aging the skin. It has been many years since I tried to use one and I hated it. It was heavy and greasy feeling. They are supposed to have improved so I may try again. I know La Rocche-Posay skin care products have a good reputation so I may try again.

 

[Jem]

I've been using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer on my body for the past couple of years, it's the first one I found that my skin reacts the least amount to and is not as heavy or greasy. I'm contemplating trying the new Coppertone Sport Clear, I just saw a commercial and it looks more like a gel that absorbs really fast, so we'll see. I use Avene, a mineral based sunscreen, SPF 50 for sensitive skin, on my face, but it's pretty expensive. It's almost 35$ for 125ml, and found with the "fancy" face creams and such not in the "summer/sunscreen" sections at Shoppers Drug Mart. It doesn't leave a greasy feel and doesn't make me breakout or react. Supposedly it leaves a bit of a white look to the skin, so it does come in a tinted formula, but I just get the normal one. I'm so pale that I don't need the tint, but if you have a darker skin tone, I could see why it would be necessary.

If anyone has tried the new Coppertone Sport Clear that looks like a gel, how was it?

 

[LTS3]

I'm trying to get more serious with sunscreen use. I had a minor scare recently with a scabby itchy mole thingy that was originally a scar The dermatologist said it was a benign seborrheic keratosis and nothing to worry about.

The Neutrogena I used was SPF 100. I've heard that higher SPF numbers aren't necessarily any more protective than the recommended SPF30?

Something for sensitive skin is a plus. I can break out in a rash from random things My face still gets oily during the summer and breaks out with acne ().

Almost all sunscreens with that much zinc will be quite thick and pasty.

La Roche Posay has an ultra light fluid mineral sunscreen, Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen | La Roche-Posay I wonder if it's more liquidy than thicker sunscreens?

Does La Roche Posay smell ok? I know there are sunscreens that smell pretty chemically Neutrogena was pretty decent, a little floral.

 

[muffy]

My mother had skin cancer but I am not out in the sun that long so I don't use it. I would love to have a tan.

 

[Jem]

My face still gets oily during the summer and breaks out with acne ().

I know how you feel, I'm the same way. I would recommend you look for a product like the Avene I mentioned, for your face. Like I said, they are usually in the fancy face cream/make-up sections (at least where I am). There's no odor, it's more "liquidy" and it goes on nice and light and absorbs well. I have only broken out a few times (1 or 2 pimples) but that is because of re-applying with "dirty" hands and basically grinding in any other stuff I had on my face at the time, like fine dirt, sweat, my own oil etc... Yeah, sounds gross, but sometimes I'm not able to get to a bathroom to wash my hands and wipe my face first, but I don't want to burn. If you were able to gently cleanse your face with just a damp cloth before re-applying I'm sure that would solve the issue, it does for me. The only times I have to re-apply is when I KNOW I'll be in the sun for several hours. Just going about my day, one application in the morning is enough.

 

[kittyluv387]

I'm trying to get more serious with sunscreen use. I had a minor scare recently with a scabby itchy mole thingy that was originally a scar The dermatologist said it was a benign seborrheic keratosis and nothing to worry about.

The Neutrogena I used was SPF 100. I've heard that higher SPF numbers aren't necessarily any more protective than the recommended SPF30?

Something for sensitive skin is a plus. I can break out in a rash from random things My face still gets oily during the summer and breaks out with acne ().



La Roche Posay has an ultra light fluid mineral sunscreen, Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen | La Roche-Posay I wonder if it's more liquidy than thicker sunscreens?

Does La Roche Posay smell ok? I know there are sunscreens that smell pretty chemically Neutrogena was pretty decent, a little floral.

It only has 5% zinc. It has 5% titanium but titanium doesn't protect you from the higher UVA wave lengths. I recommend this one at least since it has 9% zinc. It's also very light with wonderful ingredients.

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin, Oil-free, Dermatologist-Recommended Mineral-Based Zinc Oxide Formula, 1. 7 oz

 

[LTS3]

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin, Oil-free, Dermatologist-Recommended Mineral-Based Zinc Oxide Formula, 1. 7 oz

Oh, that one looks good . What about this La Roche Posay one? Anthelios Clear Skin | Oil Free Sunscreen | La Roche-Posay

For an all-body one I'm looking at La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60.

I have coupons for La Roche Posay so I kind of leaning towards this brand. I should have grabbed more coupons from the dermatologist's office

 

[kittyluv387]

Oh, that one looks. What about this La Roche Posay one? Anthelios Clear Skin | Oil Free Sunscreen | La Roche-Posay

For an all-body one I'm looking at La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60.

I have coupons for La Roche Posay so I kind of leaning towards this brand. I should have grabbed more coupons from the dermatologist's office

That one is chemical based but I'm sure it works well!

 

[maggiedemi]

carry a parasol

I might need to buy a parasol. My skin is too sensitive to wear sunscreen.
I read that if you only go out in the sun after certain hours, then the sun doesn't burn you. I might try that.

 

[artiemom]

I saw my dermatologist a couple weeks ago.

I had some basal cell cancer on my face, so I have to be especially careful.

I asked if Aveeno, Cerave, and Neutrogena were ok to use. He said that they are good, OTC sunscreens, without breaking the bank.

I also asked what strength, since I now live on the beach. He told me 50 or 70..wow..

That is straight from the doctor's mouth.
The office does have it's own skin care line, also.

The office is very well established, and well known. no bragging.. but they are all excellent in there.

 

[Tobermory]

I saw my dermatologist a couple weeks ago.

I had some basal cell cancer on my face, so I have to be especially careful.

I asked if Aveeno, Cerave, and Neutrogena were ok to use. He said that they are good, OTC sunscreens, without breaking the bank.

I also asked what strength, since I now live on the beach. He told me 50 or 70..wow..

That is straight from the doctor's mouth.
The office does have it's own skin care line, also.

The office is very well established, and well known. no bragging.. but they are all excellent in there.

That's really helpful information, artiemom . Thank you!

 

[Mother Dragon]

Consumer reports rated sunscreens. They liked a fabulously expensive one best, but said that WalMart's house brand did an excellent job for a reasonable price.

We used to use Banana Boat Sport 50 when we taught because we'd be out in the hot sun with more reflecting from the pavement. It worked well, but the WM stuff works better. We get the 100 level because of the extreme UV here and because our medicines make us extra sun-sensitive.

Do remember that you should put sunscreen on about 30 minutes before exposure and be sure to use enough. Most people don't. Don't forget a lip balm with sunscreen, either. Make sure you're wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. UV is a factor in developing cataracts.

Skin cancer isn't pretty and it can be fatal.

 

[LTS3]

What's a good sunscreen that also doubles as a moisturizer? I'd rather not put on moisturizer first and then a layer of sunscreen. It makes my face feel heavy and greasy during the summer What about sunscreen serums that you add to moisturizer? Do those work as well as a regular sunscreen?